Pune News: Mundhwa Fair Makes History With First-Ever Women’s Wrestling Match
Pune News: Mundhwa Fair Makes History With First-Ever Women's Wrestling Match
Pune: There was a time when women were not even allowed to watch wrestling at fairs. However, on the occasion of International Women’s Day, Mundhwa village made history by organizing women’s wrestling for the first time in its arena, marking a new chapter in women’s empowerment. This historic event was made possible through the initiative and persistent efforts of social activist Gauri Pingle. Coincidentally, the Mundhwa Fair fell on March 8 this year, making it a perfect occasion to celebrate women’s empowerment.
The intense wrestling match took place between national champion Sonali Mandlik and Sanjana Disale, with Sonali Mandlik emerging victorious. Gauri Akshay Pingle played a crucial role in organizing this historic match. In memory of her late father-in-law, Pratap Pandurang Pingle, she awarded the winning wrestler a cash prize of ₹51,000 and a prestigious mace. Inspired by this initiative, the villagers have pledged to organize women’s wrestling matches every year starting in 2025, as informed by Gauri Pingle through a press release.
Speaking on the occasion, Gauri Pingle emphasized, “For women’s empowerment and safety, they must be trained in the red soil from a young age. Every parent should teach their daughters self-defense skills to protect themselves, which will help curb violence against women.”
The wrestling match was conducted under the guidance of Mahakal Taleem’s coach, More Ustad, with Sandeep Wanjale officiating as the referee. Many esteemed individuals and villagers from Mundhwa attended in large numbers. Thanks to Gauri Pingle’s initiative, a new tradition of women’s wrestling has begun in Mundhwa, providing women with a new platform to showcase their strength.
